Breast development in men is medically called gynecomastia. Many men and boys are ashamed of it, but it happens quite often. Babies also sometimes suffer from it, much to the horror of their parents. How does it actually occur and is breast formation in men, adolescents and babies harmful to their health? A number of facts about gynecomastia for you.
Gynecomastia
With gynecomastia, breasts or (small) thickenings form under the nipples. This can occur in newborns, adolescents and men. In most cases it is harmless and the complaints disappear after a while. The phenomenon is usually caused by an abnormality in the hormone balance, which is mainly seen in teenagers.
Because the thickenings are caused by growth of the glandular tissue, the complaints do not decrease through exercise or diet. However, it is possible that the complaints arise from a serious illness, which is why it is important not to be too light-hearted about it and to take it properly. keep an eye on.
Infants
Newly born babies may temporarily develop “breasts”. This can happen under the influence of hormones (usually estrogen) that they have received from their mother. This allows the glandular disc located under the nipples to develop and will feel like a small hard lump . After a while this will eventually go away on its own.
However, it is always advisable to contact a doctor about this.
Adolescents
Adolescents undergo dramatic changes in their bodies when it comes to hormones. For example, boys between the ages of 10 and 16 can develop breasts under the influence of hormones. It is quite common, about 25% of boys during puberty experience it. Breast development does not always have to take place on both sides, it can also be limited to one right or left side. It usually starts with a small lump under the nipple , which eventually becomes somewhat thicker all around. The thickenings can be sensitive to the touch and sometimes experienced as painful.
After a few months to a year, the complaints usually disappear on their own. If complaints last longer, there is no reason to worry, this happens more often. But to be on the safe side, have a doctor take a look. If no inflammatory reactions occur or discharge with blood or pus comes from the nipples, there is in principle no need to worry. But if you have any doubts or strong concerns, you should always consult a doctor.
Men
With age comes not only proverbial wisdom but also physical complaints. 40% of men may experience breast development later in life . Just like with teenagers, this can involve a one- or two-sided breast enlargement. In most cases there is nothing serious going on. However, it is always wise to consult a doctor to ensure that there is not a serious underlying cause for breast development. If you do not experience any discomfort and the complaints do not worsen, in principle there is no need for intervention by a specialist.
Gynecomastia and medications
Under the influence of medication, a man can also experience breast formation. Bodybuilders in particular can develop breasts by using anabolic steroids . But other athletes who use steroids are also at risk of this side effect. Certain medicines, such as spironolactones (for high blood pressure), digitalis (for heart disease), diamorphine and cyproterone, can also cause gynecomastia.
Overweight
If men are very overweight, breasts may develop. This is caused by fat being stored in this region. Only this form of breast development in men can be remedied with exercise and diet.
Serious causes
Unfortunately, gynecomastia can also be caused by serious underlying diseases and can occur at any age. Consider overactivity of the thyroid gland and liver cirrhosis. But a tumor in the testes, adrenal glands and lungs can also cause breast development in men.
Therapy
Before you can treat gynecomastia, you must first find the cause of breast development . This is done, among other things, by feeling the breast and testicles, blood tests, scans, X-rays and/or hormone measurements.
Based on the results, a doctor can determine treatment and possible interventions. If gynecomastia is caused by a disease or condition elsewhere in the body, it will be treated if possible. Complaints will then eventually decrease. If no underlying cause has been found, a doctor may decide to surgically remove the glandular tissue and send it to a pathological anatomical laboratory for examination. If hormone preparations are used, a lower dosage or a completely different treatment may be considered.
Breast cancer
Breast cancer occurs not only in women but also in men. Just like in women, lumps develop in the mammary gland, sometimes there are multiple lumps. The tumors are usually not painful and are quite fixed. Lumps that can move back and forth are almost always benign. In the case of a malignant tumor, (bloody) discharge may also come from the nipple. To confirm (or rule out) breast cancer, a needle biopsy will first be taken from the lump in the hospital. The biopsy is then sent to pathology, where the biopsy will be examined. The lab will examine whether it is a benign or malignant tumor. Based on the results of the examination, a decision will be made as to how the treatment will proceed. If there is actually breast cancer, it will be necessary to remove the diseased breast.
Prognosis
Gynecomastia caused by hormones, such as in babies and teenagers, usually disappears on its own after a while without any harmful consequences. In men who develop breasts at an older age, without an underlying disease, treatment is usually not necessary. Unless their breast development becomes too large or causes psychological complaints, surgical intervention can be performed. In the case of gynecomastia with a serious underlying cause, the prognosis depends on the disease one suffers from and what treatment methods are available.
Finally
Do not continue to suffer from complaints for too long, always inform your GP. Even if you have doubts or strong concerns, he or she will always be there for you.
